Arnold Heeney, born on April fifth, nineteen hundred and two in Montreal, Quebec, was a distinguished Canadian lawyer, diplomat, and civil servant. He pursued his education at St. John's College in Winnipeg, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in nineteen twenty-one, followed by a Master of Arts degree in nineteen twenty-three from the University of Manitoba. As a Manitoba Rhodes Scholar, he furthered his studies at St. John's College, Oxford, before returning to Canada to obtain a Bachelor of Civil Law degree from McGill University.
Heeney specialized in Maritime law and joined the Montreal law firm of Meredith, Holden, Heward & Holden in nineteen twenty-nine. One of his notable achievements during this time was successfully representing F. R. Scott in a case against the City of Westmount, showcasing his legal prowess.
In nineteen thirty-eight, Heeney transitioned into public service as Principal Secretary to Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King. His career flourished during World War II, where he served as Clerk of the Privy Council and Secretary to the Cabinet from nineteen forty to nineteen forty-nine, solidifying his reputation as a key civil servant during this tumultuous period.
Following the war, Heeney became Under Secretary of State for External Affairs in nineteen forty-nine and later served as Canada's Ambassador to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. His diplomatic career included two terms as Canada's Ambassador to the United States, from nineteen fifty-three to nineteen fifty-seven and again from nineteen fifty-nine to nineteen sixty-two. In recognition of his contributions, he was made a Companion of the Order of Canada in nineteen sixty-eight.
Arnold Heeney passed away in Ottawa in nineteen seventy, leaving behind a legacy of service and dedication to his country.